Help - what else haven't we thought about...
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Sid
The first hurdle is the make and size of the van conversion, we recently moved from a coach built MH to an Adria 6.4 twin, it has a large garage beneath the single beds and will take all our stuff but we do try to travel as light as possible. plus no worries about leaks, fits down narrow lanes, can be used to collect stuff from DIY stores and flat pack furniture, works as a 2nd vehicle and no waving to other MH drivers you meet going the other way.
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decent storage (or usually the lack of it) in a PVC is often a result of the type of layout....
rear washroom, front lounge vans struggle once the underneath side sofa is full.....rear lounge vans have two under benches, but many fit Combi heaters, water pumps, PSU and batteries under one....or even spread it over both and compromise them.....
continental style rear bedded (singles or transverse) provide under bed 'garages' offering a place for heavy, outside stuff.....including bikes if the seats are tilted.....as in Bob's post above.
however, this type of layout better suits those who travel in regular good weather and spend much more time outside....the rear lounge layouts are great for sitting inside when it's not so nice, but the compromise is that there's often not enough space for the stuff many wish to take with them.....bikes, levellers, BBQ, tables, chairs, tools to add to the usual list of clothes, shoes, boots, coats, food, books, electrical items and, of course bedding which in a fixed bed van lives on the bed, whereas with seats and beds being the same space, the bedding has to be stored somewhere too.....all adds to the fun of fitting everything into a small space....
enjoy your new van.
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Earlier this week I posted details of a firm in North Yorkshire who are hiring motorhomes during November and December for just £50 per day. This would give you chance to hire for a couple of days and try it out............. and find any other bits and pieces that you think are necessary. They have a variety of makes and models - many more than are shown on their website. I think my post was removed because it was considered advertising, but was actually only a genuine recommendation.
Each motorhome comes with the following included in the £50 per day:Fully comprehensive insurance
Breakdown cover
Unlimited Mileage
Two drivers
(aged 25 – 75 with full UK/EU licence for 2 years or more, not more than 2 x 3 point convictions and one no-fault claim per driver in the last 3 years – additional premium or security deposit/excess may be payable for exceptions)
Temporary membership of the a Club
Bike rack (mountain bikes & bike lock available as an optional extra)
Dual-fuel central heating system (operates on either electric hook-up or gas)
Digital LCD TV/DVD/CD player with Freeview
Fully equipped kitchen including all crockery, utensils and cooking equipment
Dual-fuel fridge with freezer compartment
Gas cooker with grill and hob
Bathroom with hot and cold running water and shower
Water flushing cassette toilet with toilet chemical
Wardrobe
Pair of levelling ramps
Fire extinguisher
Mains hook-up lead
Fresh water fill-up hose
Full propane gas cylinder
Full induction
Telephone support
CCTV, Alarmed, controlled secure parking for your own car while you are away (At own risk)There is a returnable deposit (inevitably)!
Email me at valdaathome@gmail.com for details if you're interested.
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We went through this “conversion” process and ended up selling quite a bit of the extra equipment we bought e.g. picnic table, water carrier. It is refreshing to downsize and get rid of the stuff which we used to cart around in the caravan and didn’t need. One thing we did buy was a couple of Quest picnic chairs. We transport these by securing them to the back of the driver and passenger seats with bungee straps. This means that you cannot swivel the seats but we don’t do that anyway. Works for us but you need to find what works for you.
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Well, in case anyone is still interested, all your comments have helped us make up our minds. And the answer is ... we've ordered a Wildax Constellation, due for delivery next spring, but that is just according to legend! We won't hold our breath.
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I'm sure you will love it. We are still settling in to our Autotrail V line 635SE having changed from a caravan. Loving it so far and still learning from every trip. Happy travels.
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I have found this thread very enlightening, we have just moved back to a caravan after 6 years with a 6.6m Coachbuild MH.
We know in the future we will more than likely move to a PVC (not yet) lots of research into which one to be done.
Interesting to hear PVC users explain where they store all the items they take.
Tinny, not sure what I would do if I could only take 2 weeks worth of clothes on a 3 month trip
where would the washing machine go Seriously though we used to travel with the chairs on the floor of the van at the back end, the ramps went just inside the hab door along with the EHU cable. The bikes on the rear carrier, we had a PWS towbar so the groundsheet was rolled up and placed behind it and held in place with bunges. We didn't have any outside lockers and under the rear seats/beds had a lot of equipment (like BB said) so the majority of stuff had to go in the overhead lockers. The saving grace was the nice big cupboard between the cooker and fridge. The Silver screens went in the shower along with 2 folding buckets and various other bits and pieces.
When we first bought it I thought there was noway we would get everything in, then we moved back to a caravan with loads of cupboards and space but no payload to speak of, so yet again the cry of where are we going to put everything. Its amazing what you get used to doing without
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“Tinny, not sure what I would do if I could only take 2 weeks worth of clothes on a 3 month trip laughing where would the washing machine go”
I’m afraid you’ll have to revert to a washtub and mangle, TG,
It surprises me just how much clothes those o/h lockers held thanks to the diy shelves. I reckon it was a generous 2 weeks worth of clothes we packed. Probably 16-18 days worth.
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Most campsites have sinks for washing clothes and many have washing machines so what is the problem on a 3 months long trip?
Perhaps you were making a little joke! Having said that we did once meet a caravanning couple who were on a two week trip with a twin axle caravan, full length and width awning, full size domestic fridge and 3 different sets of easy chairs amongst other "essentials".
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A little joke, yes
However, we do have a travel twintub that we take on longer trips.
Have done handwash many times, that's not the issue, its the wringing them to get water out. If hand done it can ruin some clothes. Site washing machines are not always the cleanest, and do vary in cost from 4€ to 6€ a wash so can be expensive. The machine paid for itself in 1 trip.
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PVCs are becoming more like (smaller) coachbuilts all the time, two makers are using this Sky Roof (twin sunroof) system built into a metal high top.
Auto trail did a similar thing on their V-line a couple of of seasons back but this was based on their own added GRP roof which has now been withdrawn....issues?....cost? ....
....don't know why, shame as it was a distinctive feature...
however, Adria and Carthago are using it based on a factory Fiat high top...
really makes a difference, especially the feeling of space upfront and genuinely to headroom as there's no shelf or locker to bang your head on....
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That overcab storage area would be sorely missed by me.
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Agree, much more useful to have locker space. In our MH we had 4 lockers over head in the cab. In their wisdom Bailey removed on the next and current models with a sunroof. Loss of storage and nothing but trouble with leaking and noise. Why mess around when something works fine.
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I'm 6 feet 3 inches tall and have an Auto-Sleepers Symbol with the extra high roof. The area above the cab has a good sized locker and there is loads of headroom when sitting in the front of the van. OK one has to remember to duck when walking through to the back but that's not a problem.
So many of us seem to appreciate the over-cab storage space in these vans. I've also heard that with the over-cab sunroofs there can be problems with the cab area becoming very hot if the sun is shining through the sunroof.
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...but these vans, being continental PVCs all have rear beds and huge storage underneath, far more than the low side sofas of a rear lounge style.
it will also have large kitchen drawers capable of swallowing pots, pans, kettle, toasters, etc and large storage under the dinette seat....
i doubt a van like that relies so heavily on the overcab as some lesser vans.
just have a look at La Strada or Pössl to appreciate storage designed in from the start...
IMHO for those used to this type of layout, it won't be missed.
i realise it's the wrong layout for many (very similar to ours) but I'd be very tempted if I want to go (even) smaller....
@dunelm, the sunroofs have concertina blinds to keep heat out if required.
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"…some lesser vans…"
Have you not heard, BB, less is more.
We seriously considered the La Strada despite its mind numbing price tag but even the lure of the Sprinter base vehicle couldn’t make up for what we considered to be an awful layout. Give me the rear lounge any day. There you go, horses for courses.
We've started hearing of caravans suffering leaks around those panorama roof lights and that makes me doubt the wisdom of them. Also, any body modification such as removing the original roof is introducing a weak spot. That maybe why AT stopped putting plastic roofs on their V-Lines.
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I prefer the rear lounge layout over the fixed bed continental type. The idea of spending hours in the cab driving then having to spend the rest of our time sitting there to, while over half the van is taken up by a bed just doesn't appeal. As you say tinny, horses for courses.
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The big garage is always an attraction for one's "stuff" though.
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...yes, I actually meant less storage biased vans....
of course layout is a very personal thing but there's no doubt different layouts can aid or hinder other aspects, storage being one of them.. ...and, of course, the access to those stored items....external lockers etc or the lack of them...
im sure you're probably right in that AT may have issues with their design, but it was an in house grafted on seperate module, whereas the latest vans are using a factory built higher top version....may be better, we'll see, no doubt.
everyone has their favourite layouts....a huge factor in the decision to purchase.....and I'm sure La Strada lovers (there are several layouts) really like their vans...
we just happen not to see the attraction of rear lounge vans for all the opposite reasons (no doubt) to those who like them....
the cab seats (for us) are far more comfortable (supportive, adjustable, reclining, feet up) than low backed seats that have to double as bunks..
similarly, we want our bed to have been designed as a bed, single piece proper mattress, not something that also has to double as a seat....and at bed time, just get in it.....it also provides a separate 'day bed' area if required...
we don't spend too much time inside the van, mainly just sleeping so a corridor lounge that might seat 6 seems overkill in a small van.
and, of course, we wanted good storage for all our kit, including bikes, so our van ticks the boxes for our requiremnts....but not for all, of course.
so, there you go, horses for courses, so many innovative ways to design our MHs and loads to debate in a separate thread, no doubt....
front lounge, rear lounge, mid lounge, rear washroom, centre washroom rear bed, drop down bed, low beds, high beds, adjustable height beds, large garage, small garage, no garage....plenty to choose from and all will have their advocates...
and im sure the OP will love his new van and I hope there's sufficient storage for his needs...
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We have the Autotrail V- line 600, with the front lounge, this has the Skyview roof similar to the previous pictures. Never have a problem with overheating, or leaking, it opens to let fresh air in, and has a flyscreen and blackout blind (made by Remis).Our outdoor chairs are stored in a purpose built 'pocket' mounted on the rear door, we have lots of storage drawers in the double floor, and a hightop fibreglass roof, we manage very well. We had a Savannah before with twin rear beds and a garage....i found i had to leave very little of our garage kit behind, such is the innovation of the storage. Our model is not made now, they are all rear lounge models....so we are not changing.
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One of the issues I have with the garage version (I have several) is that the inside of the van has very little storage so everything goes in the garage (it would seem) this means you are in and out of the garage all the time (I've seen and heard them) now while in warmer climes this is not a problem (other than annoying your neighbours) but in our rather wet, miserable and windy weather it would be a pain in the ........
It would however solve one problem, the OH wouldn't need to keep asking where did I put ........
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TG, yes I can see what you're saying, but even in our small van there is underseat (and underfloor) storage that houses the things we need inside the van, and with the underseat storage stretching into the double floor cavity, it's far deeper than on a single floored van.
the kitchen drawers (5....was 6 but the fitted oven took up one) store all the pots, pans, crockery and cutlery, condiments, kettles (two, of course) and other utensils, leaving the large overhead kitchen locker lightly used....we have a seperate 'bar' locker for glasses etc.
we also have a large wardrobe which could (if required) be pressed into service for storing other things that might be needed inside the van from time to time....but this hasn't been required..
the washroom also has plenty of storage and counter top.
we're pretty tidy in the van and things have a place and get returned there after use with plenty of storage inside for 'inside things'.
obviouslly, we like to keep 'outdoor things' out of the habitation area and the garage is ideal for this.
i don't think we up annoy too many of our neighbours when closing the garage door, it's just a soft click.
however, the alternative to having a spacious, heated storage area like a garage is to have to store much more kit (some of it damp/muddy - inevitable in our wet, miserable and windy weather) inside the van which might also be a pain in the ......
im sure that most who go for a garage type van weigh up the advantages/disadvantage (for them) as part of the purchasing process and therefore know what they are getting.
we like being able to store (for example) the bikes in the warm and dry....a real blessing in the wet, windy UK....and out of sight.
van design varies so much, it would be boring if we all liked the same things....
we've had non fixed beds and fixed beds, garage and non-garage, A-class and non-A Class, larger and smaller vans and feel we are now just about spot on for what suits us for the touring style we adopt.
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Good decision on the Wildax. We took delivery of a Solaris XL in July and you will not be disappointed. This is our fifth van in 8 years, 3 coachbuilt and 2 PVC mostly new. Our last PVC was a Swift Autocruise Forte which was great but had host of issues over nearly 3 years, very usable as 4 berth, but nightmare on customer care. The Wildax has done just under 5K and been great, other than initial issues with dealer fitting wrong extras, no probs and the thoughtful design and finish is superb. Contacted Wildax about couple of issues on equipment usage and they were back to me within 24 hours. With swift you were lucky if you got any result.. Enjoy your new van.
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BB, just found this thread again so apologies for not responding. Your mh sounds as if it does have good storage inside, however we don't have any dealers up here for us to take a look at your model. The makes we have seen have had very little inside storage so have not been tempted by them.
However now that we have gone back to a caravan its no longer an issue.
ps, where do you put the food
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...ha, didn't I mention that...?
as you know many continental vans like ours focus on different aspects of certain areas....the kitchen being one of them...
uk kitchens tend to have massive cookers and under worktop small(er) fridges which might have better worktop space but have used all the underneath space for appliances.....
generally, with continental vans, the cooking is assumed to be done outsite and the emphasis switches more to storage.
so our van didn't come with a cooker nor an underneath fridge, meaning the whole kitchen, although quite small in area (and by uk standards the worktop space is small) is given over to storage along with the large tower fridge/freezer.
however, we wanted an oven...the Thetford Duplex oven/grill is compact and works really well (best oven we've had) so we're happy to sacrifice one of our six drawers in exchange for the Duplex, still leaving plenty of storage space.
all fresh stuff in large tower fridge, bottom left drawer in kitchen is tall enough for cereal packets, and also holds tins (like to keep them low down), veg, bottles etc...also have a large over kitchen locker for bread, snacks, fruit, etc...
rest of kitchen drawers hold crockery and placemats (middle left), large kitchen utensils and other 'stuff' (upper left), cutlery, bottle openers, tin openers etc (upper right) and pots/pans/steamer/hob kettle etc (bottom right)...
despite having plenty of room, as we are out and about (bikes) most days, we often collect supplies as we pass places so don't carry masses of food with us.
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